Panasonic Lumix G2 vs. G10

Brothers comparison test

Sharing the same base, G2 and G10, like the G1, a hybrid format SLR but smaller than that of an SLR APS-C, the difference with a DSLR 4 / 3 becomes much more tenuous … This difference is however more important once the housing equipped with an optical bayonet micro 4 / 3 is smaller, and optics too. Finally, the weight and bulk are actually smaller than a SLR equipment but it is difficult to argue that this is a decisive step to equal benefits.

G2 or G10?

We have said, the G2 and G10 share the same base. One might even say they are identical except for some details, the possibilities are the same. However these details are, in our opinion, very important and the price difference is not huge, we can only recommend the choice of G2. The G10 should instead be seen as a weapon in the battle of the price compared to other brands. The first difference is almost invisible until you look in the viewfinder as it is precisely about him. While the G2 is equipped with the same electronic viewfinder very good as the other G-series models from Panasonic, the G10 is simply what we would characterize as a viewfinder bridge. The definition is much lower and also the magnification, the approval of employment without comparison … Incidentally, the G2 has a sensor that automatically moves the mail referred to a design on screen and in the other way which is very nice in practice.

Much more obvious than the viewfinder, the G2 is also equipped with a rotating screen in all directions, like a camcorder. This is an important asset for certain types of shooting as the macro but also obviously for the easy exploitation of the video. Filming with the electronic viewfinder or with a fixed screen clearly limits the possibilities and offers much less approval. In addition, the screen is touch G2 which significantly improves the ergonomics, especially in a context where the public user does not necessarily automatic handling well established. We can thus choose the topic on which to sharpness by simple touch of a finger. For its part, the G10 is simply a screen certainly very good but classic and fixed. The G2 also has two additional commands: a selector zone developed on the left and trigger a special video camera near the shutter.

Amateur video in the end

From the features listed, the main event with the G2 and G10 is the arrival of the shooting video, absent from the G1. The main lack of the latter is thus filled! Certainly, Panasonic also offers the GH1 but it is really a model that video enthusiasts with features and priced accordingly. For the amateur, many of its qualities are not essential and it still seems more reasonable to abandon them in favor of a much reduced cost. In practice, G2 and G10 stick at 720 (1280 X 720) and mono sound that will certainly be very satisfactory in practice. Especially since you have the choice between two formats and multiple compression ratio after the desired quality or memory space available for recording. Note that the stereo sound is possible but you will need to provide yourself with an external microphone which probably will not attempt a small number of users.

Optical stabilized or not

Next favorite technology from Panasonic, G2 and G10 use any stabilization level optics. The case is not stabilized at the sensor and all lenses are not. It’s a choice we may regret or not following the intended use and how to make his shots. The G2 and G10 are available in a kit with a small zoom 14-42 (28-84 mm equivalent) that is stabilized. Its development at least 0.3 m is correct without more. The reproduction ratio obtained is lower than we can achieve with other kit zooms. If you feel you need longer focal lengths, it can recommend without hesitation to look at the side of the Panasonic 45-200, tele-stabilized zoom that achieves an equivalent 400 mm.

It is already offered in two kit by some dealers. Then of course if you have any special needs or tastes, you can find at Olympus, Panasonic or other more specialized optics. But sometimes the prices are rising so that is no longer suited to the general public!

Pleasant and efficient

In use, the G2 seems like a simple device to use and responsive. The photographer easily find its brands with the functions and commands that he used. If the designs on the screen in bright sunlight is not very pleasant, the EVF provides a comfortable, including also the G10 even though it is crude. The speed of the autofocus, zoom, at least with the kit is really good and everyday we do not feel the difference with a good reflex present. This is not necessarily the case with other approaches, especially focal much longer.

In practice

In practice, G2 and G10 offer image quality comparable to that of an SLR with an increase in sensitivity which preserves a very good image quality up to ISO 1600. Then the limits of a sensor of this size are most clearly felt … The small zoom 14-42 is quite correct except wide angle at full aperture where different defects combine to significantly reduce the rendering quality, especially outside the center of the image. Better to close to 5.6 for rendering. If your requirements are much higher, you can head to the Leica 2.8 to 3.5 / 14-50 but the bill will significantly boost …

Test and review conclusions

With enticing, the Panasonic G2 is a hybrid format SLR that seems quite mature and therefore able to satisfy many users. It remains to choose between him and a true SLR certainly bulkier and heavier but also more universal …

Positive points (pros)

Full and mature
Swivel Screen (G2)
Extended possibilities

Negative points (cons)

Viewfinder weak (G10)
No stabilization integrated
Not so compact that it

Retail price

- Kit with 3.5-5.6/14-42: 699 euros (G2) and 599 euros (G10)

Optical Recommended

- Lumix G 1,7 / 20,399 euros
- Lumix G Vario 4-5.6/45-200 329 euros

Technical specifications:

- Type: hybrid micro 4 / 3
- Sensor: 12 Megapixel Live MOS
- Maximum resolution: 4000 X 3000 (JPEG)
- Video: 1280 X 720, QT Lite AVCHD and MJPEG, 25/30 fps, audio
- Objective: Micro four thirds
- Conversion Factor: 2
- Aim: Electronic 0.7X, 100%
- Focusing: Contrast Detection AF, manual
- Light Measurement: M, P, S
- Shooting Modes: Auto, P, M, A, S, scenes
- Shutter: 60 sec – 1 / 4000
- ISO Speeds: 100 – 6400
- White Balance: Auto, six manual modes adjustable +
- Flash (NG ISO 100): 11
- File Formats: JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG
- Memory Support: SD / SDHC / SDXC
- Interface: USB 2.0 High Speed
- Screen (inches, pixels): 3 inches, 460 Kpixels, swivel, touchscreen
- Video Output: HDMI + Composite
- Power supply: Li-Ion 7.2 V/1250 mAh
- Dimensions (mm): 124 x 83.6 x 74
- Weight bare (g): 371
- HD Video: yes